A gray start to the New Year, but will it rain?

Posted by Eric Berger at 12:23 PM on December 30, 2015

I hope everyone is enjoying their end of the year weather. My wife, who loves the heat, is miserable, hiding beneath an electric blanket. I’m loving the colder air after what seemed like a never-ending summer. Anyway, here’s a quick look at what’s ahead.

TODAY

Parts of Houston saw light rain overnight and this morning, but I expect that to end this afternoon except, possibly, for areas immediately along the coast. Most areas will see high temperatures near 60 degrees today under mostly cloudy skies.

NEW YEAR’S EVE

The big question is how long the break in the rain lasts. Thursday won’t be warm, with highs in the mid-50s, but moisture levels in the atmosphere will begin to increase later in the day, setting the stage for light rain. But will it hold off during the crucial evening hours, when many will venture outside to ring in the new year? If I had to guess, I’d say yes, but it’s a tough call. Temperatures between 6 p.m. and midnight will be in the upper 40s.

The GFS (and other models) now seem less bullish on rain on Thursday night. (Weather Bell)

NEW YEAR’S DAY-SATURDAY

On and off light rain is likely on both days, and a northerly flow will bring colder air into the region. I don’t expect high temperatures to climb out of the 40s on either day, with gray skies.

SUNDAY

On a day when the Houston Texans will clinch a playoff spot rain showers will end and the Sun will come out. Highs will climb back into the mid-50s. But beware if you’re heading out early on Sunday, lows for many areas will be in the upper 30s, and any winds will make it feel quite a bit colder than that.

The beginning of next week should see continued sunny conditions with a slow warm up.